iNDICA NEWS BUREAU-
India will soon procure 31 MQ-9B Predator drones from the U.S. and develop two indigenous nuclear-powered submarines. Indian government’s Cabinet Committee on Security, headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved these initiatives to improve India’s defense capabilities, especially in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance.
The drone deal, valued at $3.99 billion, is set to strengthen India’s maritime and territorial security, while the submarines will bolster the Indian Navy’s presence in the Indo-Pacific region. India will purchase two variants of the General Atomics MQ-9 unmanned aircraft: 16 SkyGuardian and 15 SeaGuardian high-altitude, long-endurance drones.
The Indian Navy will get 15 drones, while the Army and Air Force will each get eight. The MQ-9B drones can fly for up to 40 hours and can strike targets on land, sea, and air. Predator drones are equipped with ammunition like Hellfire missiles, GBU-39B precision-guided bombs, and high-fire rotary cannons. Built for high endurance in challenging terrains, the drones can operate at altitudes of up to 25,000 feet, gather intelligence, and conduct strikes over extended periods in different combat conditions.
The U.S. State Department approved the $4 billion sale in February, followed by a clearance from India’s Defence Acquisition Council in June. The aircraft will be assembled in India and are projected to enhance the Indian Armed Forces’ surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities. The U.S. sale approval also includes 170 AGM-114R Hellfire missiles and 310 GBU-39B/B laser small-diameter bombs, suggesting the aircraft’s possible kinetic role. The drone deal was finalized with an eye on China’s advanced drone technologies and enhanced military presence.
Submarine construction will take place at the Ship Building Centre in Visakhapatnam for $5.36 billion, Asian News International reported. Indian shipbuilders will be involved in the submarine project, with four more underwater vessels planned for the future under the Advanced Technology Vessel project. The nuclear attack ballistic missile submarines (SSBN) are being built under the $11 billion Advanced Technology Vessel project of India. Two Arihant-class SSBNs have already been commissioned into the Indian Navy, with three more planned for construction as the smaller SSN lacks ballistic missiles in its arsenal and is deployed for speed and maneuverability. These submarines are used for short-range attack, surveillance, and intelligence missions.
